TOP 15 Best Welding Helmets For Auto Darkening Reviews

We pick the top 15 best rated and best welding helmets on the basis of specifications, features, and other factors like pros & cons.

1. TOOLIOM True Color Auto Darkening

With its revolutionary true color lens technology, Tooliom’s true color Auto-darkening helmet stands out from other traditional lens helmets available in the market. Toolium helmets are used for grinding arc, MIG, TIG welding. A smart and inclusive design makes the welding process smooth and high-yielding.

The package includes a helmet, a replaceable battery, 2 replacement outer lens, 1 inner lens, and 1 user manual. 600 mAHLi battery-powered mask hood comes with a large viewing area.

TRUE COLOR LENS TECHNOLOGY:

The distinguishing feature of the Tooliom auto-darkening helmet is its true colour lens technology, which reduces the lime green colour tint, often a problem with traditional lens helmets.  True colour combined with auto-darkening feature makes it the welding helmet reviews 2021 ensuring high-cost performance and automatically adjusting the vision quality ideal for your welding work.

MAGNIFYING LENS:

The helmet also comes with the option for installing a magnifying lens helping people with vision errors thus covering a wide range of user categories. With 1/1/1/2 optical classification, better optical clarity is provided. A wide dark shade range from 9-13 is available. Switching speed from bright to dark ranges from 1/10000 to 1/30000 sec covering a wide reaction time range.

BATTERY LIFE:

Li-battery 600mAH that can last longer than 5000hrs is included in the package making it ideal for an extended usage period. Long battery life makes the helmet a reliable and practical device to work with.

This Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is strong impact resistance and fire-resistant material. It has a smooth perimeter. It is highly sensitive and can be used conveniently for Stick, MIG, TIG, welding. It is easy to learn and use.

2. DESOON Auto Darkening

With its wide lens and versatile usage, the Desoon Auto-darkening helmet also comes with an Auto-darkening filter that helps adapt to various welding environments. The large viewing area of 7 square inches provides extraordinary optics and wide views. A CR2450, 3V solar-powered battery along with a replaceable 550 mAH Li-battery is provided. The helmet can be used for various welding processes such as MIG, MAG/CO2,  TIG, and plasma welding.

Recommended industries are fabrication, food, beverage manufacturing, automotive, construction, metal production, military maintenance, oil, and gas transportation. Turn time from dark to bright ranges from 0.1 to 1s (adjustable) equally perfect for DIY hobbyists and professionals.

MANUAL ADJUSTMENT:

Manual adjustments allow customizing according to personal preferences. To meet a wide range of demands, manual adjustments serve the purpose. Sensitivity and delay settings can be adjusted as desired to adapt to various welding environments and task duration making it a professional welding helmet.

MAXIMUM EYE PROTECTION:

A switching time from light to dark of 1/25000 s ensures optimal protection of eyes which are the most sensitive organs to be taken care of while welding. The eyes can be protected from UV or IR rays in case of electric failure. Thus, it would be a preferable option when looking for maximum eye protection. The package includes a welding helmet, a headband, and a user manual.

This is excellent for massive duty welding projects, especially in the automotive, construction, mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, and military maintenance industries. It is indicated for all welding operations but more precisely for grinding and welding. It is cheap and durable.

3. Instapark GX990T

A variable dark shade ranging from #5 to #13 makes Instapark GX990T ideal for STIG, TIG (tungsten inert gas), MIG(metal inert gas) applications. Adjustment for dark state and external controls greatly increases productivity by minimizing the need for grinding and increasing torch replacement accuracy.

Revolutionary design and lightweight make the helmet an ideal fit for the welder ensuring complete comfort and protection even for longer working hours. An enormous viewing area gives maximum clear vision making the task easier and more prolific much expected of the best welding helmet for experts. The auto-darkening filters are activated by 4 arc sensors. Low to high sensitivity control can be availed.

IDEAL CUSTOM FIT:

The intelligent and practical design makes it an ideal custom fit that comes with a padded interior and ratcheting headband. Lightweight makes it easy to carry and enhances the work experience. Lightweight also lessens strain on head and neck thus perfect for extended work durations.

POWER SUPPLY:

A solar cell and replaceable battery makes the helmet not only energy-efficient but also cost-effective. When not in use, the lens is automatically switched off in such a helmet making it more economical. The only downside of this feature is that you have to place the helmet in sun before the workday. The package includes a helmet, a replaceable battery, and a user manual.

Instapark GX9990T Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is a great hood with a wide range of settings and adjustments for a perfect personal fit. It is super-efficient. It reacts quickly. It is easy to customize, and it goes for an affordable price.

4. 3M Speedglas 9100

Do you want a precise and lightweight protecting helmet for welding? No need to look anymore. 3M speed glass 9100 is one of the auto-darkening welding helmets. It is ideal for professional and continuous welders who make daily income. This welding helmet gives you the impression that you are not even wearing it. 

DESIGN:

The 3M Speedglas 9100 is a good helmet 2021. Also, it has a grey and black body. The helmet is comfortable and versatile. The welding helmet is equipped with a 1.8″ x 3.7″ screen, which offers an observation surface of about six square inches.

AUTO DARKENING FILTERS:

It is a welding helmet for auto-darkening, which maintains an optimal view of the installation of the torch and control of the weld puddle. In the viewing area, the side windows have been installed, resulting in a dark shade with 5 filters to enhance the operator’s peripheral field of view. When an arc is struck, at about 0.1 milliseconds, the auto-darkening mode is activated by three sensors in the lens. 

ADAPTABLE EYE AND FACE PROTECTION:

These elegant and Professional helmets safe the eyes and face in a variety of ways. Firstly, the helmet prevents sparks from reaching the eyes and face. The helmet also protects the eyes from intense lights and agile brightness, which can be dangerous to the eyes. 

3M Speedglas improves is a comfortable welding helmet that improves welding productivity. It is effortless to control, fit, and use. It also offers profound clarity and meets the need for any welding task.

5. JACKSON SAFETY 46139

If you are looking for an affordable and lightweight weld helmets with optical clarity, look no further. Jackson Safety 46139 is one of the lightweight welding helmets. Not only is it ideal for professionals, but it is also suitable for beginners and constant welders. 

ULTRA-COMFORTABLE:

Comfort is the most important factor of Jackson’s Safety. Because of its lightweight, it reduces neck strain. Also, it comes with 4 helmet adjustments, which enables welders to wear it throughout the day at ease and experience improved clarity and color recognition. For these reasons, it is also a welding helmet for beginners. 

AUTO-DARKENING FILTERS:

It is an adjustable helmet, which keeps up an optimal view. Moreover, for TIG, MIG, and arch welding, the filter shades of 9-13 make it fit. Its affectability and delay setting are flexible for distinctive situations and tasks. Its ADF Auto-On framework is always prepared for welding to be done. Also, you don’t have to stress about charging the battery because of their solar cell assistant. 

ADAPTABLE PROTECTION:

These classic and best-rated welding helmets save the welders in a variety of ways. Firstly, the helmet’s high-density plastic shell prevents sparks from reaching the eyes, neck, ears, and face. The helmet also protects the eyes from radiant energy and agile brightness, which is hazardous to the eyes when exposed. 

Jackson Safety 46139 is a perfect choice for occasional welders because the battery is long-lasting and lightweight.

6. Instapark ADF Series GX-500S

If you are looking for an affordable and lightweight welding helmet with optical clarity and grinding function, no need to look any further. Instapark ADF Series GX-500s is one of the best welding helmets. It is both battery and solar-powered. Moreover, it’s a welding helmet for beginners and devotee welders.

SOLAR-POWERED:

The welder helmet is an awesome headgear that comes with rechargeable batteries powered by solar energy. The battery is part of the package, and you do not need to stress about acquiring it. It features a low voltage indicator and can toggle from dark to light conveniently. Also, solar cells are replaceable.

AUTO-DARKENING FILTERS:

Instapark ADF is adaptable. The filter allows you to transform your task from gloomy sights to brighter sights. Also, it offers you a versatile range of shades. It is configured with dual arc sensors that enable the auto-darkening filter in 1/25,000 seconds when an arc is struck.

OPTICAL VIEW AND CLARITY:

This top welding helmet provides the highest visual clarity. One of the key characteristics of the Gx-500s is its optical clarity. Optimum visibility is provided by the 1/2/1/3 ADF lens and decreases eye strain. It is a true color welding helmet. This helmet has a 3.63 x 1.65 viewing area. It is wide enough for you to see from a different view. It also offers an efficient 0.0004 seconds of sensitivity.

Instapark GX-500S is a top-performing, well-made welding helmet with outstanding electronics and intuitive controls. It is perfect for both professionals and hobbyists, and it gets the job done with ease and supreme comfort

7. Lincoln Electric 3350

Do you want top-notch quality and high rated auto tint welding helmets, with a rapid switching speed? Worry not, Lincoln Electric 3350 is one of the best. It provides a large view and is ideal for professional and enthusiastic welders for their daily use.

VISIBILITY:

It provides the highest visual clarity. One of the major characteristics of Lincoln Electric 3350 is its optical clarity. In every category, it achieves a perfect optical score of 1/1/1/1. This helmet has a 3.74” x 3.34 viewing area. It is wide enough for you to safely view various angles. 3350 is a true color welding helmet. It highlights cutting edge 4C lens innovation, which also reduces eye strains. 

BATTERY PERFORMANCE:

To power 3350, CR-2450 solar cell batteries and quarter-sized batteries are reasonably easy to find and inexpensive to replace. It’s worth noting that this large view welding helmet has made changes to its ADF circuits, enabling battery efficiency to be greatly improved.

SAFETY:

it ensures great protection. Lincoln helps save the eyes and face. The helmet prevents sparks from reaching the eyes and face. The sooner you can cover your eyes from the elevated intensity, the less drained they will be at the end of the day. With the auto-darkening, the Viking 3350 can react to agile brightness and intense energy immediately with a switching pace of 1/25,000 seconds.

Lincoln Electric 3800 Series is a real welding game-changer for both welding helmet experts and newbies. It protects the face, enhances vision and clarity, and provides superior comfort for any welder. Its controls are perfectly placed, and all its features perfectly meet the needs of any welder.

8. ESAB A50

Are you tired of traditional looks and want something different and light? You are at the right place. The ESAB Sentinel A50 is one of the best auto welding helmets, its appearance resembles a racing helmet. It is ideal for those who take care of their protection during welding.

VISIBILITY:

This 4 sensor welding helmet provides good visual clarity. One of the main features of the ESAB Sentinel A50 is its optical clarity. It has achieved an optical rating of 1/1/1/2. This helmet has a 3.93″ x 2.36″ viewing area. It is wide for you to view various angles. It highlights an added curved lens to enhance visibility.

MEMORY SETTINGS:

A50 can memorize the settings to avoid making welders irritated. You’ll only have to set it once, and you’re not required to make any further modifications the next time you want to use it. On the helmet, there is a special adjustment memory available, so you can automatically activate it every time.

COMFORT AND SAFETY:

Since it is the top welding helmets, it is a comfortable design with sophisticated protections. The helmet prevents sparks from reaching the eyes and face. With the auto-darkening, the ESAB A50 can react to agile brightness and intense energy immediately with a switching pace of 1/25,000 seconds. By incorporating five HALO helmet points, the A50 delivers a comfortable helmet. They are sturdy and can be worn all day.

ESAB Sentinel A50 is a phenomenal welding hood. It is incredibly versatile and gives superior user satisfaction when used in plasma cutting, stick, MIG, TIG welding, and grinding.

9. Antra AH7-860-001X

Antra AH7-860-001X is one of the cheapest in the market. It is ideal for both beginners and professionals. It’s built to provide comfort and protection. It is remarkably flexible, it can be utilized for applications like cutting, grinding, and welding. 

AUTO-DARKENING FEATURE:

Antra AH7-860-001X is a flexible high-quality helmet. It’s an automatic feature, which enables you to switch between dark sights and brighter sights with a speed of 1/30,000 seconds. The auto-darkening helmet has an integrated solar panel that will enable it to continue working even in the case of a power failure. To set the timing, you have to adjust the knob. The rapid auto-darkening function makes it much easier to see clearly.

VISIBILITY:

This provides good optical clarity. It’s made of carbon fibers. It offers an appropriate and reliable shade range for visible lights within 4/5-9/9-13. This helmet has a 3. 86 X 3. 50″viewing area. It is wide and luxurious to view different angles. The wide viewing area has four high-quality sensors

SAFETY:

Since Antra AH7-860-001X is one of the auto-dim welding helmets, it offers advanced protection and high-end technology. The helmet prevents sparks from reaching the eyes and face. The helmet also protects the eyes from intense lights and agile brightness. It ensures that no damaging light can penetrate.

Antra AH7-860-001X gives you everything you expect from a great welding helmet and add a little more comfort than others. It has a jumbo viewing light and meets all the safety and performance standards for auto-darkening helmets.

10. Jackson Safety 46101

Jackson safety 46101 is an ultra HLX-100 welding helmet with lightweight which makes the person comfortable during welding. This helmet is professionally designed with a 3.94″ ˟ 2.36″ view screen which gives an excellent and clear view without lifting the hood. With different sizes and unique features, Jackson safety has provided an innovative and un-obstructive solution for protection during welding.

Jackson safety has been proved more efficient and protective during MIG welding, tig welding, and arc welding. The auto-darkening lens and different digital controls make it a perfect choice for professional welders.

For the perfect safety of its customers, Jackson Safety has never compromised on its quality. It’s some unique features are:

DIGITAL VARIABLE AUTO-DARKENING FILTER:

Jackson Safety comes with variable shades from 9-13 shades with easy-to-use digital controls, sensitivity, and delay adjustments.

This helps in color recognition easily and enhanced visibility during different phases of welding. Its 3.93” x 2.36” viewing area also has sensitivity and delay settings.

QUALITY STANDARD AND CSA COMPLAINT:

For quality assurance, the Jackson Safety helmet meets ANSI Z87.1 2010 standards and CSA complaint.

These standards are used for the protection of the user’s eyes from extreme and radiant energy during welding.

EASY TO CARRY:

Jackson Safety helmet is ultra-lightweight HLX-100 with insight 4 independent sensors of lithium batteries. These sensors help in setting weld or grind mode.

They provide a better possibility for blockage during welding.

Jackson Safety Insight Variable Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is everything you need to stay safe, work without neck strains, and pick every point and joint on your welding piece.

11. Optrel Crystal 2.0

Optrel crystal 2.0 is an auto-darkening welding helmet with outstanding color clearance. Its crystal lens has an amazing True Colour technology. Optrel crystal 2.0 because of its excellent features, gives welders a clear sight of the whole welding pool before and after for the first time. Therefore, professional welders describe this helmet as “enlightenment”.

Optrel crystal 2.0 with its unmatched and eye-opening true color features has rated no.1 for scattered light, homogeneity, and angular dependence.

The colorful features of this helmet are:

AUTO-PILOT SHADE LEVEL:

Its CLT helps in adjusting the shade level automatically according to the flame. The auto-dark lens is a completely manual mode with infinite shades adjustments from 4 to 12 for your reliable view of the arc.

TWILIGHT FUNCTION:

This effect has an eye-opening effect in which it can bring the lens from the light state to the welding state gradually. Thus, preventing welders from eye strain and giving them a clear view of welding directly.

TRUE COLOUR TECHNOLOGY AND GRIND MODE:

Optrel crystal 2.0, for the first time, a remarkable true-color helmet that allows perception and recognition of colors in light and dark states. It can easily turn from weld to grind mode and back again with its special controls.

True color technology has an exceptionally clear view as glass in the light state whereas in the dark state a perfect color contrast with high-quality clarity and detailed vision.

Optrel Crystal 2.0 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet meets every welder expectation perfectly. It gives a clear premium view and goes for an excellent price for the features it offers.

12. Optrel VegaView 2.5

Optrel VegaView 2.5 is yet another efficient welding helmet with the best lens technology. It has awesome results for overheated welding. The helmets come with good battery support. True colors and lightweight of Optrel VegaView 2.5 has given it the world record for meeting the needs of welders.

Optrel VegaView 2.5 can be an excellent choice for welders who are looking for a lightweight and protective helmet for their welding purpose. It is one of the best welding helmets for overheated welding and high amperage.

This welding helmet has excellent features among which some are described under:

LIGHTWEIGHT:

Optrel Vegaview 2.5 weighs only 17 ounces or 482 g, which makes it easy-to-use and more comfortable for welders. You can have it on your head, and you will never have any headache or irritation for long hours.

ADF SHADE LEVEL:

With its ADF shade level 2.5, Optrel gives true bright colors and clear and improved visibility to the welder’s environment by 400%. It has set a world record by exceptional clarity in the light state.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:

This helmet has a special combination with the Optrel e3000 PAPR respiratory system. It gives welders perfect protection from smoke, gas, and dust with its integrated high-performance particle filter (TH3).

Optrel Vegaview 2.5 is one of the newest auto-darkening helmets. It can be used for overhead welding and fitted with hard hat adapters. It has unique state-of-art features, including a side packing clip, and it aptly fits the description.

13. HOBART 770890

Hobart 770890 is considered the best choice if you are a beginner welder and have recently started working in the welding industry. It meets all necessary standards for safety. Hobart inventor helmet 770890 is all one can have at a reasonable price and best quality.

This is a black, auto-darkening helmet with 8-13 variable shades. It is an awesome welding hood which is too much necessary for proper kit during welding. It has a nice list of features which are:

AUTO-DARKENING:

The auto-darkening effect plays an extremely important role in welding. Hobart inventor helmet ensures good quality eye protection. The instant you start welding the lens darkens automatically by an extra-fast 1/25,000-second reaction time.

LARGE VIEW AREA:

Hobart inventor welding hood has a 9.3 square inch viewing area which helps in wide visibility better viewing. A large view in the hood helps welders to have a clear and hassle-free working.

MULTIPLE SENSORS:

This helmet consists of four independent and adjustable arc sensors that provide dependable arc detection to the professional welders. By these sensors’ extra protection of eyes from the radiant energy is enabled which is much necessary.

GRIND MODE:

The helmet gives good protection to the face and head during grinding. It also prevents the lens from darkening in a light state for good visibility.

14. MILLER ELECTRIC 282000

The welding process requires good and perfect protection of eyes from sparks, flame, and ultra-violet light. Miller electric 282000 is another amazing welding helmet that is from the world’s largest manufacturers of arc welding and cutting equipment. It is an upgrade from miller’s classic helmets for making protection better than before.

Miller electric 282000 ensures quality standards for its users. It can be a good choice for expert welders as it is more comfortable than the classic helmets and affordable as well.

Its excellent features are described as:              

THREE DIFFERENT MODES:

Miller Electric 282000 has 3 different modes: weld, cut, and grind to serve different applications. Large push buttons allow users an easy operation.

CLEARLIGHT LENS:

The clear light lens technology in this awesome helmet helps in extra clear view and contrast. 1/1/1/2 optical rating. A lighter light state while not working allows saving and protective work environment.

REDESIGNED HEADGEAR:

This unique feature of the helmet provides extra support to the head and better fit and comfort. Lightweight and additional settings make it easier to wear, fit, and carry.

Digital controls are for sensitivity, delay, and shade control.

ARC SENSORS:

3 independent arc sensors provide continuous lens response for obstructed and low current welding. These sensors are important as they gave true control over modes for your protection. The 5-amp tig rating is given for the thinnest welding.

15. Antra Wide Shade Range

An amazing and newcomer in the welding helmet world, a helmet that works with solar power and no need for batteries. Yes, you have read right. Introducing Antra’s wide shade range 4/5-9/9-13, an auto-darkening welding helmet with amazing features. It is fast responsive to electric arc from tig, MIG, or plasma applications.

Antra’s wide range of 4/5-9/9-13 is ranked 7 among the all high selling helmets. It has several qualities that make it eligible to be used. Next time go to the market, just give it a try.

SAFETY FIRST MOTIVE:

As it is perfectly designed for welding, it provides instant protection by passive filter with permanent shade 13 UV/IR. By auto-dimming LCD shutter, antra wide shade gives enough shade range within 4/5-9/9-13 to visible lights and also auto shading.

RELIABILITY:

It is less sensitive to the sun and other lights but responsive to the welding arc. Its wide shade range provides a perfectly reliable solution to the welders. Minimizing false triggering with interference suppression technologies.

VERSATILITY:

It serves as the best protection in different fields such as plasma cutting, abrasive wheel/grinding, DC TIG, AC TIG, MIG/MAG, MMA/Stick welding. This makes it an outstanding invention for today.

SOLAR POWER-ORIENTED:

This helmet works with solar-lithium dual power which makes it attract the ones who like new release items.

Buying Guide

So, I guess you have found your perfect fit from our 15 best welding helmets. However, if you are still not sure about so many brands which one to select? This buying guide will help you. There are some of the main factors you are required to look at while buying a welding helmet either from the offline market or online. So, let just dive into the guide to help you pick best of all.

How to Choose a Welding Helmet?

As mentioned, a welding helmet is a major protective gear for a welder’s eyes and face. While selecting the best helmet one should check on safety levels. Many auto-darkening helmets offer full coverage shed and the resistance impact. Besides, another important feature to go with is the viewing size of the welding helmet. The market measured view-size of auto-darkening helmets ranges 97 x 62 mm (3.82 x 2.44 inches). This viewing size helps in giving a clear natural view of the object while welding.

Also, light sensitivity plays an important role while welding. Most of the best welding helmets in 2021 provide shades that toggle between 6 to 9 or 9 to 13. This will provide a sense of comfort to the welders’ eyes with the best light.

Once you are done with features, you should check on the weight and comfort of the selected helmet. The weight of the helmet matters the most for long use. You should go with the one which is lightweight and your neck won’t feel the burden. Most of the lightweight helmets weigh 18 to 21 ounces. While some with smaller view size come with 13 to 15 ounces. Also, ensure the distance from the face and comfortable feel if you are a large-headed person.

Benefits of Welding Helmets

Well, many of us may know the description of this statement. A welding helmet is also known as a “hood” for welders. It offers them protection from any accidental situation while welding or on a construction site. But, would it be called a satisfactory answer?

No! Different welding helmets come with various benefits. They help in protecting the eyes from the flashing bright light. Without wearing a helmet the bright light from welding may damage the cornea that leads to permanent or temporary blindness.

More, it would not only help in protecting eyes from the welding sparks, but it also guards welders against vivid welding arcs. Sometimes it also acts as a protecting gear from the pollutants in the atmosphere.

How to Clean the Welding Helmet?

Being the important and necessary tool lots of dust and scratches might add up to your helmet. However, this step-wise process would help you get a cleaner helmet every time before use.

Let’s start with our process:

1. Wipe out the outer surface with a dry piece of towel.
2. To remove the dirt from difficult parts; use brushes to rub well.
3. After then, you can use air pressure to clear out the remaining dust and rust from the helmet.
4. Clear the lens using a high-quality lens cleaner.
5. After the process, you can simply use any helmet cleaner to finish the process. Wipe the surface with the help of a dry towel. Now, your helmet is ready for the next task.

How to Test the Auto-Darkening Helmet?

Well, there are several ways to test the quick change but, more recommended is, by looking at the sun outside. This method has proved better than any others. It will help you determine the lens adjustment with the increased intensity of light.

How to Adjust the Welding Helmet?

Being a beginner you might be unaware of adjusting benefits of auto-darkening helmets. You can adjust the general fit according to your liking. While the major feature of sensitivity can also be adjusted to the level a welder feels comfortable with. Besides, you can also select the range of shades from level 9 to 13 in your auto-darkening helmet.

Although adjusting your helmet might take some trials and errors, but once you get the perfect setting, you can rock your welding task within minutes.

Some Other Important Gears While Welding

While welding it is important to keep yourself protected from UVR, flying debris, and sparks. Besides choosing the best welding helmet, there are some other equipment one should have before welding.

1. Shoes

Welding shoes are made of electric insulating material like rubber to prevent the feet from electric shock. It also aids feet in preventing the burning effect of the hot welding flame.

2. Welding Jacket

Securing your head and eyes is not enough wearing a welding jacket could help in the protection of the overall body. Also, these jackets have a zip-up option to remove in any emergency case or fire or else.

3. Gloves

While working with hot materials and flames; hands need a lot of protection from burning debris or flame. You can use good quality gloves to prevent any damage.

Conclusion:

Summing up, Welding helmets are the most used gear by welders. It helps in preventing eye and skin damage. Moreover, it is said many eye injuries can be prevented by using one of the best welding helmets as a protective layer.

We have listed our best 12 welding helmets according to their features. We are sure you may found any one of them but if not you can take help from our helmet buying guide. Moreover, we have tried to answer all the frequently asked questions. If you still found anything to be answered, you can mention it in the comments. Also, do let us know which product you have used before or had to experience with it.